On Sunday I had the chance to work on a Biker style concept shoot. The makeup artist I recruited cancelled on me (don’t get me started on that one). So I was stuck doing makeup on 7 girls all by myself. Nonetheless, I had a great time working with a wonderful set of creative people. Although I would love to spill the beans on the” who’s, what’s, and where’s”. I am sworn to secrecy, so I can’t show you any pics until the projects are complete.
I can tell you this: There were 6 pretty models and one that smelt like a cheesy, rotten, I can’t really put my finger on it...something. It was so serious that I had to check my arm pits to see if it was me. After all if the body odour is that pungent, one must question if the stank in question is wafting out of your own body. But I was not the only one in question, as others started complaining about “The smell”. I swear I saw someone scrambling for something to cover the odour. Since I believe in protecting the innocent, I will not mention her name. I do hope that the model in question reads this and seeks help. Because that smell...could only be cured by a professional.
It was this observation and experiences I had in the past, that had left me wondering: Do these girls do their homework?
Before I begin to knock the nail on its head, Let me just state that, I am a loyal ANTM, CNTM, HNTM (and any other country that owns a Top Model spin-off) watcher. At any given day you can find me searching the internet to see what concepts I would love to try, and admiring other makeup artist on You Tube and model mayhem. In my beginning stages I was just glad to do “A” photo shoot. But because I am growing as a makeup artist, I want my portfolio to reflect my growth. Which means that I am pickier about the calibre of photographer, model and like minded creative talent I choose to work with.
I have had the chance to be a part of many video and photo shoots. I have acted as creative director on some projects aswell. I know what I look for in a model. On set, I always have first dibs on what other models, photographers, directors and other set personnel are really saying about your model behaviour. It is a mixture of all these things that have forced me to compile this list of Don’ts. I am going to share with you, what industry professionals are saying, but won’t tell you (or just can’t bother to). I hope that it will help all models, and wannabes (especially the cheesy ones) to be the best they can be.
Before a model comes to a shoot she must do the following:
1. Be on time, unless your name is Naomi Campbell or Tyra Banks, it is disrespectful to all parties involved. This might stop you from booking jobs in the future.
2. If you are wearing hair extension, make sure it’s clean. How the hell are you suppose to look pretty when your hair looks like a dirty mop. I worked at a fashion show where a hair stylist refused to do a models hair. He left her to rip the runway looking like Brittany Spears in the morning.
3. Pluck your bushy eyebrows and WAX your damn moustache. Hells...get a full body wax if necessary. You think people won’t notice, but we do. I don’t know about other makeup artist, but I can’t make Chubaka look like Tyra.
4. Please do not wear makeup. If you come on set with a full face of War paint, excuse yourself and head straight to the nearest washroom and WASH IT OFF! Try and keep it simple, by limiting yourself to mascara and chapstick. And stop wasting our time by having us peel off your second face.
5. Always carry lotion, preferably baby oil. I personally don’t mind helping a model out and usually have it handy. But If you know that your skin requires a deep tissue massage to rub the ashyness out, then please have your own products handy.
6. Do not complain about what the team has given you for hair, makeup and wardrobe. If you are hired to do a shoot, then it’s not about you. It’s not your wedding or prom night. So if the theme of the day is paper bags and clown faces. You better work that look like you love it Mrs Diva!
7. Do your homework! You say you want to be a model right? Go watch Americas Next Top Model, Project runway, flip through the pages of a magazine at least. Look at the picture you have done in the past, and think of ways to improve yourself. Even swimwear models need variety. Honestly...some of you models have the personality of rocks. Good looking rocks...but stones nonetheless.
8. Speaking of Cheese, do I really have to touch on personal hygiene?...really?...do I?
There are all types of models. Plus size, Petite, and Runway. But just because someone says you’re pretty, it does not make you a model. There might be a girl, who some might consider to be “butt ugly”. But unlike some pretty ones. She studies her craft. She knows how to play with her facial expression, and plays with her poses. Exudes confidence and shows emotion that on film creates something beautiful. I think all women are beautiful in their own way. But when it comes to models, it doesn’t matter how beautiful you are. Either you’ve got it, or you don’t.
